Frequently Asked Questions about the PRINCE2 project management methodology

What PRINCE2 qualifications are available for project management professionals?

PRINCE2 accreditation is available at two levels: The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certification. The courses for obtaining the certification walk delegates through all the skills necessary for becoming a successful PRINCE2 professional, including the methodology used, terminology and principles deployed within a project management environment.

The Foundation certification demonstrates that holders understand the language and principles underpinning the PRINCE2 methodology. The Practitioner course enables delegates to demonstrate their application of the PRINCE2 methodology within a project management environment, managing the challenges and tasks involved within the discipline. In order to achieve this higher level of certification, Practitioners will be expected to understand the relationship between the various PRINCE2 components, including products, processes, techniques and principles.
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How do people obtain certification in PRINCE2 and become qualified?

There are a number of simple ways to obtain your PRINCE2 certification. For the Foundation exam, you can do a computer-based course or attend a workshop to receive training to prepare you for the exam. This will give you a strong introduction to the tools, techniques and principles behind the PRINCE2 methodology.

To obtain registered Practitioner status, you will need to undertake training with an accredited provider either in a classroom environment or online, to prepare you for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam.
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What are the benefits of obtaining a PRINCE2 accredited qualification?

PRINCE2 is the standard best practice methodology for project management, and is recognised globally. Having a PRINCE2 qualification supports your career development by demonstrating your knowledge of the management, control and organisation of projects. Becoming a certified expert in PRINCE2 will give you confidence in the project management environment, supporting you to progress in your career.

Most employers recognise the skill and discipline necessary to obtain the PRINCE2 certification, meaning that your competence will be recognised by organisations who operate a project management environment.
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Why is the project management methodology called ‘PRINCE2’?

The name ‘Prince’ is derived from the phrase ‘Projects IN Controlled Environments’. The current iteration of the methodology is called PRINCE2, as it is the second phase of the discipline.
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What does PRINCE2 cover?

PRINCE2 is a project management methodology which covers all elements of best practice for the steps
involved with managing a successful project. It is a series of principles which provide holders with a suite of skills which apply to the project management environment. The discipline is highly flexible, enabling users to change the scope of projects or adapt to changes and fluctuations within the project management environment.
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How do I purchase the PRINCE2 project management methodology for my organisation? What does it cost?

PRINCE2 is not a tool or software that a company can purchase to apply to their project management discipline. It is actually a methodology which is completely free to use under licence.
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What qualifications do I need to be acknowledged as an expert in PRINCE2?

As an individual working in a project management environment, you can undertake the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner course and exam to obtain full accreditation.

As an organisation, you will need to set out your strategy for adopting the PRINCE2 methodology within your company. The best way to do this is to trial PRINCE2 to see if it fits in with your organisation and culture. You can tailor all aspects of PRINCE2 to meet the needs of your company, fitting it in with your specific requirements.
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What are the benefits of becoming qualified in PRINCE2?

Benefits for employees
Most people who undertake PRINCE2 qualifications choose to sit the exams in order to demonstrate their competence in the field of project management. Holding PRINCE2 certification enables people to show that they have a sound understanding of how to run a successful project, and the certificate is transferable across a wide range of disciplines and industries. Many people now find that they are expected to hold PRINCE2 qualifications in order to secure a role within a project management environment.

Benefits for organisations
Companies which use PRINCE2 within their project management teams find it useful to recruit people who have the accreditation. This enables all team members to operate according to a cohesive set of best practice principles. PRINCE2 can save money, support the successful delivery of projects and enable different stakeholders to communicate in the same language when it comes to their project management operations.
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What PRINCE2 qualifications are available for people wishing to get accredited?

People wishing to gain PRINCE2 accreditation can choose the Foundation exam, Practitioner, exam, or both. The Foundation course and exam gives people a strong overview of the language, tools and techniques used within the PRINCE2 methodology, and is best suited for people who work within a project management environment and wish to develop their understanding of the best practice for project management. The Practitioner course is more in-depth, training delegates to utilise the PRINCE2 methodology as project managers within their business environment.
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Is it possible to learn PRINCE2 just from the official manual?

This is possible, as the PRINCE2 manual provides comprehensive detail of all elements of the PRINCE2 process, tools and techniques. Although some people do choose to study in this way, it can be difficult to learn alone as the methodology is quite complex. Most people choosing to obtain PRINCE2 accreditation prefer to undertake a workshop, to gain the support of a world-class trainer and fellow delegates.
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Where do I undertake the PRINCE2 exams?

We provide PRINCE2 course and exams across the UK and beyond, in a number of accessible locations. You can choose to sit the course at a time and place which best suits your needs, working around your existing responsibilities and business. Get in touch with us today to find out more about the exam locations, dates and prices.
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What proof will I have that I have passed the PRINCE2 exams?

There is a register available for all PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certificate holders, which lists everyone who has become accredited. It is available online at www.prince2.org.uk. This enables potential employers to check whether people hold the certification prior to offering them a role within a project management environment.
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I am not interested in obtaining the Foundation certificate – can I just do the Practitioner exam?

The PRINCE2 accreditation process works on a step principle. It is not possible to undertake the Practitioner exam and become qualified without first demonstrating your knowledge through the Foundation certificate. Regardless of your role within the project management environment, it is a good idea to undertake the exam for Foundation level first, as it provides a comprehensive introduction to the language, principles and ideas explored within the PRINCE2 process.
It is possible for people to undertake a short intensive training programme, which enables both levels of certification to be combined. This is done through a process of blended learning, or an intensive five-day workshop.
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Can you offer classroom training for the PRINCE2 courses?

Yes. Most people decide to undertake classroom-based workshops to prepare themselves for the PRINCE2 examinations. This style of training is particularly effective when combined with online training resources for delegates.
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What size of project can PRINCE2 principles be applied to?

There is no ideal size or scope of project for the PRINCE2 methodology. It works on all forms of project, regardless of the remit and size. PRINCE2 is a flexible approach which can be tailored to suit all forms of project. It is up to individuals to select how much of the process they would like to apply to each of their projects for a successful outcome.
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What sorts of project does the PRINCE2 framework apply to?

There is no limit to the kinds of project which the PRINCE2 framework can be applied to. People all over the globe use the methodology to support projects in a wide range of environments, from IT through to finance, communications and marketing.
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Are there specific tools needed to use PRINCE2 in my organisation?

PRINCE2 is a methodology, and can therefore be used in any environment, with no specific tools. Having said that, PRINCE2 is compatible with most project management tools and paper-based planning systems.
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Can I use PRINCE2 best practice for projects other than IT tasks?

PRINCE2 has been developed to support any project, regardless of which industry sector you are from. Although it was initially developed to support IT projects only, the methodology has been refined and enhanced to accommodate all types of project undertaking in any discipline.
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Is PRINCE2 a way of guaranteeing that projects will succeed?

Using PRINCE2 can’t guarantee the success of your projects, but it does provide you with all the tools, techniques and guidance needed to make your project a success, if the principles of PRINCE2 are applied correctly.
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Who owns the PRINCE2 copyright?

PRINCE2’s copyright is owned by the UK Office of Government and Commerce (OGC). The Stationery Office (formerly known as HMSO) undertakes sales of the official PRINCE2 manual.
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How do I get my PRINCE2 qualifications, and what will it cost for me to become certified?

The Knowledge Academy provides all the training which you will need to successfully undertake your PRINCE2 training and exams. Get in touch with one of our expert PRINCE2 trainers to find out more about the course and what it will cost you or your organisation to obtain accreditation.
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What skills and experience do I need to enroll on a PRINCE2 course?

There is no minimum skill level of amount of experience needed for people to undertake the PRINCE2 training courses. However, it is best suited for people who already work within a project management environment, as this will offer a good grounding for understanding the ways in which the methodology is applied to this environment.
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Is PRINCE2 only used in the UK?

PRINCE2 is now used and understood by firms all over the world, as the de facto standard for project management process and methodology.
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How many times will I need to sit an exam to get all my PRINCE2 qualifications?

Delegates wishing to obtain the full scope of PRINCE2 accreditation will need to undertake two exams to become qualified: the PRINCE2 Foundation and the PRINCE2 Practitioner.
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How do I get to be a PRINCE2 practitioner?

If you already have your PRINCE2 Foundation qualification, it’s simple to undertake an upgrade course to obtain your Practitioner status. You can enroll on a two-day workshop and elect to sit your exam for Practitioner status at the end of the course. This option is also available as an e-learning course, which can be undertaken alongside a workshop.
You can find out more by visiting http://www.theknowledeacademy.com
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Can overseas project management employees sit the PRINCE2 exams?

This can be easily arranged, by getting in touch with the APM Group to establish the logistics of where and how you can undertake the exams for your PRINCE2 certification. Contact them on info@apmgroup.co.uk or telephone: +44 (0)1494 452 450.
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I’m still confused. Is there anyone I can speak to get my queries answered?

Yes! There is a lively discussion forum available which covers all elements of the training course and exams for PRINCE2 accreditation. In addition, you can give us a call on 01344 887 460 or email info@theknowledgeacademy.com